Datsyuk also placed on injured reserve

DETROIT -- The Red Wings today announced that goaltender Joey MacDonald has been recalled from the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. MacDonald will serve as a backup to starting goaltender Jimmy Howard tonight when the Red Wings take on the Colorado Avalanche at 9:30 p.m. EST (FOX Sports Detroit and 97.1 the Ticket).

MacDonald, 30, has appeared in one game for the Red Wings this season, making seven saves on eight shots during the third period of a 5-1 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers on November 24. The Pictou, NS, native has played in 73 career NHL contests for the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Red Wings. In 18 games this season for Grand Rapids, he has posted a 10-7-1 record with a 2.70 goals-against average, a .898 save percentage and one shutout.

To clear a roster spot for MacDonald, the Red Wings placed forward Pavel Datsyuk on short-term injured reserve. Datsyuk has missed Detroit’s last nine games after suffering a broken bone in his hand on December 22 against the Vancouver Canucks.